Model building & workshops

MINIMUNDUS WORKSHOPS

Model building

At first glance it may seem unbelievable
that some individual models cost more
than € 500,000 to build.

Have a look with us behind the scenes at how the models are created: First, contact is made with those responsible or the consulate to get hold of the relevant documents for the building. It usually takes a few months to get the right plans in various scales, which are then converted by us to a scale of 1:25.

The whole world on a scale of 1:25The centrepieces at Minimundus are the models which are created down to the smallest detail on a scale of 1:25, and mostly using original materials such as sandstone, lava basalt or marble, in the Minimundus model workshops. Every detail is incorporated: window shutters, decorations, street lamps, etc.

Model building is carried out by our 6 Minimundus model builders in the on-site workshops, by higher technical colleges or by professional model builders around the world.

All models are built on a scale of 1:25 (exceptions are Hochosterwitz Castle, which was already built in 1959, and the passenger ship Queen Mary, which would have otherwise had a length of 12.40 m), and so the size of the models can easily be compared to one another.

Specific structural features:

Most expensive model with longest building timeThe model of St Peter’s Basilica took 6 years to build. As it is mainly made out of the original material travertine (a pre-stage of marble which was treated with diamond drills), it cost € 730,000 to build.

Exact precision workThe model of Miramare Castle took 26 months and around 28,000 pieces of marble stones and 26,000 pieces of sandstone to finish. With the model of St Peter’s Basilica, a model builder took up to one week to finish one single figure.

Visitor’s most wanted modelThe model that visitors would want most to see is the Golden Gate Bridge. Unfortunately, even on a scale of 1:25 it would be too big for Minimundus and wouldn’t fit in the park.